Enriching its position among the elite golf resorts of North America, Reynolds Lake Oconee is one of only 11 properties selected for the prestigious Platinum Medal by GOLF Magazine. The 2016-17 Premier Resort award winners are unveiled in the June edition.
“It is particularly gratifying to see Reynolds Lake Oconee recognized among those honored at the ultimate level on this list,” said Rabun Neal, President. “We fully realize that the Platinum Medal goes only to the best of the best.”
The biennial ranking of the GOLF Magazine “top 100” golf resorts is based on four criteria: golf, lodging, food and drink and service. Also added into the equation are the recent votes from the Golf.com Golfer’s Choice Awards, reports Joe Passov, who coordinates golf course awards and rankings for the magazine.
“We are fortunate to have one of the greatest collections of golf courses in the country,” Neal added, “and we are determined to remain as one of its premier destinations, both as a resort and a residential community.”
Reynolds Lake Oconee, located between Atlanta and Augusta, Ga., is situated along more than 374 miles of Lake Oconee shoreline and features six championship golf courses (one is private and open to members only), as well as The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a 251-room lakefront resort and spa.
Nestled in the woods, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is surrounded by water on three sides, offering commanding lake views. Draped in beds of ivy and edged by towering pines, blooming crepe myrtles and colorful caladiums, the five-story main building fronts the glistening lake, while six separate lakeside cottages and The Lake House with four master suites overlook the Oconee golf course. Resort guests have access to a wide array of family-friendly activities and amenities, including a state-of-the-art spa, tennis, two swimming pools, four full-service marinas, hiking trails and of course, golf.
For those seeking to live the resort lifestyle every day, the community’s real estate company (Reynolds Plantation Properties, LLC) offers a variety of homes and home sites featuring lake, golf and woodland views. Residents may enjoy many of the amenities offered at The Ritz-Carlton, in addition to six additional swimming pools, waterfront fitness facilities, club dining options, an extensive calendar of activities and much more.
The resort community was purchased in August 2012 by MetLife, which has invested several million dollars in enhancements since acquiring the property.
GOLF Magazine acknowledged the resort community’s picturesque location, gracious Southern stylings, updated accommodations and recent series of golf course renovations to the Plantation Course (Bob Cupp), National (Tom Fazio), Oconee (Rees Jones) and The Landing (Cupp). Great Waters (Jack Nicklaus), renovated in 2012, and the private Creek Club (Jim Engh), round out the collection.
In recognizing the 100 greatest golf destinations in North America, GOLF Magazine lists only properties that excel in course design and playability, while providing luxurious accommodations. Scores produce winners on the three separate levels – Platinum, Gold and Silver. GOLF Magazine has been ranking resorts around the world for 28 years. The Premier Resorts issue is available in print and online at www.golf.com.
